Drug makers paying doctors looks like bribery

11:26 AM,
Mar. 9, 2014

A Pro Publica report found that since 2009, 15 major drug companies have paid $2.1 billion to tens of thousands of U.S. doctors for consulting, speaking, research, travel and meals. The report found 22 doctors who received $500,000 or more.

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USA TODAY Editorial Board

Doctors have long gotten small favors from drug makers: pads with logos, a deli tray sent to the office, tickets to sporting events and free drug samples.

But in recent years, those trinkets have evolved into big money for doctors paid to speak to other doctors about new drugs, often using canned scripts provided by the pharmaceutical companies.

Some of the paid speakers have become high-volume prescribers of the drugs. Some of the drugs are expensive new entries in markets crowded with generics. And some are no better than older, cheaper drugs. ...